People living with dementia and their carers across Greater Geelong can access crucial support during a Dementia Action Week (September 15 to 21) event.
Vines Road Community Centre (VRCC) will host the event in partnership with Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) at its Hamlyn Heights facility from 12.30pm to 3.30pm on Thursday, September 18.
VRCC executive officer Sally-Ann Muller said people could hear from close to 25 local service providers, as well as keynote speaker and geriatrician Dr Alastair Mander, during the free event.
“All are welcome, and we hope to see everybody at the event… as our entire goal at VRCC is to connect people and combat isolation,” she said.
“We’re looking to make the centre clearer and more accessible for people living with dementia, and a welcoming space for their carers.”
AMCS dementia care and support coordinator Cindy Vercoe said it was important for people to connect with others to feel included in their community.
“A lot of people get diagnosed with dementia and sent on their way with nothing, so having an event like this helps them to come along and learn exactly what is out there,” she said.
“We’re trying to focus on the carers as well as the people living with dementia, because we want to keep them healthy as long as we can, so they can keep everybody at home for longer.”
VRCC Dementia Support Group volunteer support coordinator Jeannette Schreuders said there was a need for social connection and support for people living with dementia and their carers.
“I’m looking forward to meeting some of the carers and the people they care for, as I’m passionate about connecting people socially,” she said.
